Heather Provence

Karen Melici, MSW, LCSW, NBC-HWC works in partnership with internal medicine and family medicine primary care providers to address the interaction between mental and physical well-being. Just as poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems, emotional and behavioral difficulties can negatively impact physical health. As an integrated behavioral health clinician, Ms. Melici provides brief counseling and guidance to patients who are experiencing depression, anxiety or other emotional stress.Prior to joining Summit Health, Ms. Melici served as behavioral health specialist with the Lehigh Valley Physician Group in PA. She also has experience as a supervisor and clinical coordinator in several New Jersey community mental health and psychiatric settings. She served as adjunct faculty at Centenary College and at Rutgers University. As a therapist, she participated in FEMA's Project Phoenix, counseling those impacted by the September 11th attack on the world trade center in NYC. Since 2008 she's served as a steering committee member of the NJ Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NJ-ACT).Ms. Melici earned her Wellness Coach Certificate at the Mayo Clinic and is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach. She helps patients tap into and develop their motivation; empowering them to break bad habits and create new ways to care for themselves, increasing their overall sense of well-being. She's committed to helping patients identify their personal strengths and utilize their unique potential for growth and change.

Before joining Summit Health, Lauren Kaplan-Sagal, MD, was a consulting psychiatrist for Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, and a staff psychiatrist and clinical associated for the University of Chicago Student Counseling and Resource Service in Chicago, Illinois. Her professional experience includes Staff Psychiatrist for the Hartford Hospital Institute for Living in Hartford, Connecticut.Dr. Kaplan-Sagal has been a member of the Board of Directors, Membership Committee, Compensation Committee, Reorganization Committee, and Mental Health Executive Committee for the Institute of Living Medical Group, PC. She also has been a member of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Curriculum Committee, Middlesex Hospital Senior Care Task Force, and New Jersey American Psychiatric Association.A Mead Johnson Fellow, Dr. Kaplan-Sagal was a recipient of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Leo M. Davidoff Award for her contribution to student teaching.

Laura Balsamini, PharmD, BCPS is the National Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Summit Health. Dr. Balsamini specializes in medication therapy management, drug use and drug safety review, and continuing pharmacotherapy education for physicians. As National Vice President of Pharmacy Services for Summit Health, Dr. Balsamini advises physicians about drug use and control. She also develops and evaluates clinical guidelines for medication protocols. Dr. Balsamini teaches patients about the benefits and side effects of their medications as well as the importance of taking medications as prescribed. Before joining Summit Health, Dr. Balsamini was a clinical pharmacy specialist with the Veteran's Administration Healthcare System of New Jersey. She has been a drug safety scientist with Novartis Consumer Health, a clinical safety manager with Medco, and a pharmacist with the Great Atlantic & Pacific (A & P) Tea, Co.Dr. Balsamini says, "I listen carefully to my patients' concerns. I believe in educating them about their medications, including benefits and side effects. Empowering patients to partner in decisions about their treatment is key to helping them achieve the best possible outcomes."Dr. Balsamini is a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, New Jersey Pharmacist Association, and American Pharmacists Association.When she is not working with patients, Dr. Balsamini enjoys theater, fitness, and nutrition. She is an American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified group fitness instructor.